Description :

`Undertake this journey for the remission of your sins - assured of the imperishable glory of the kingdom of heaven.'

When Pope Urban II made his famous speech in 1095 launching the First Crusade, he set in motion a movement that would involve every country in Europe, touch almost every aspect of life, the economy, and society, and have an enduring influence on the history of the Islamic world and the Baltic region. It is a story of popes and peasants, holy wars and barbarian invasions, sieges and slaughters, warriors whose names - Saladin, Richard the Lionheart - have entered the realm of legend. This richly illustrated book presents a readable, authoritative, and comprehensive history of the Crusades, from the preaching of the First Crusade in 1095 to the legacy of crusading ideals and imagery today.

Written by a team of leading Crusade scholars, it covers crusading in many different theatres of war. The ideas of apologists, propagandists and poets, and the perceptions and motives of the crusaders themselves are described, as are the reactions of the Muslims to Christian holy war. The book highlights the remarkable art and architecture associated with the Crusades, and offers fascinating insights into the history of knightly orders, such as the Knights Templar and the Knights of St John. Including detailed reference material - maps, chronology, a guide to further reading, and a full index - this volume will be welcomed by anyone interested in the ideals and history of the Crusades.